ReFo: Lions @ Jets, Week 4

The Detroit Lions traveled to New York yesterday for a rare matchup with the Jets. The game ended up being a battle for field position, as each team punted on six of their 12 possessions. Here are the key performances.

Three Performances of Note – Detroit Lions

James Ihedigbo, SS: +2.1

Breakdown: Ihedigbo, the former Jet, earned positive marks both in coverage (+1.5) and as a pass rusher. On just five blitzes, Ihedigbo recorded a sack and two hurries.

Signature Play: With 10:41 left in the 4th quarter, Ihedigbo sacked Geno Smith and forced a fumble as the Jets were driving in Lions territory. Detroit recovered the fumble, ending a promising drive.

Matthew Stafford, QB: +1.7

Breakdown: Stafford had an efficient day overall, completing 24-of-30 aimed passes, not including four passes that were thrown away. Stafford was 15-of-17 on passes over the middle of the field and thrown less than 10 yards, and was at his best when blitzed (+1.0).

Signature Play: Stafford took advantage of an excellent play call that completely fooled the Jets defense, taking a QB bootleg 7 yards for a first down at the 2:00 warning, allowing the Lions to run out the clock.

Darius Slay, CB: -1.6

Breakdown: Outside of his interception of an overthrown Geno Smith pass, Slay had a tough game. The second year corner allowed seven completions on eight targets for 109 yards and a touchdown, and also missed a tackle.

Signature Stat: Geno Smith had a QB rating of 118.8 when targeting Slay.

Three Performances of Note – New York Jets

Geno Smith, QB: -5.4

Breakdown: Smith struggled while under pressure, earning a -2.5 grade on 13 such plays, including both 4th quarter turnovers. He was 2-of-6 for 39 yards on passes thrown more than 10 yards.

Signature Stat: Smith earned a QB Rating of 8.8 under pressure.

Breno Giacomini, RT: -5.1

Breakdown: Giacomini finished the game with red grades in penalties, pass protection and run blocking after allowing a hit and two hurries and struggling in the run game. Two false start penalties did not help his cause either.

Signature Stat: Giacomini’s worst grade was -2.1 in run blocking, as he struggled with a talented Lions front seven.

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE: +3.1

Breakdown: Wilkerson finished with two sacks, a hit and a hurry, but did his best work in the run game. Wilkerson’s +3.2 run defense grade was a game-best.

Signature Stat: All five of Wilkerson’s tackles were Run Stops.

PFF Game Ball

James Ihedigbo earns the game ball for a solid all-around performance, highlighted by his forced fumble as the Jets were driving in Lions territory in the fourth quarter.